The wait is nearly over for thousands of VCE students after a year like no other.
School leavers will receive their final scores on Wednesday, nearly two weeks later than originally planned.
It follows a year that has looked completely different to normal for students of all ages, as they studied from home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Year 12s missed most of the normal rites of passage, such as school formals.
Educators have urged students to remember their final study score will not define their lives, saying they have developed unique skills this year.
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Bendigo Senior Secondary College careers advisor Naomi Flint reminded students alternative options always existed to pursue their passions if their results were not as hoped for.
Mrs Flint urged university aspirants to get advice about changing their preferences if they needed, rather than to dwell on the result.
She said they needed to act early as the deadline for first preference changes was on January 4 at noon.
"I always say to students, it's really important to seek advice and help, don't put your head in the sand and not do anything," she said.
"It's easy to dwell on a result, but... often there are other alternatives ... It might take a little bit longer but they'll still get to that final destination."
Mrs Flint said students should still stick with their passion, rather than high ATAR courses, if they achieved better results than they expected.
She urged students wanting advice to contact the careers team.
BSSC assistant principal Kylie Hand likewise said students should approach their results with an open mind, as plenty of options were available to them.
Mrs Hand said students were coming out of a difficult year stronger and more skillful than year 12s ever before.
"I'd love for students to be able to reflect on the fact they've worked incredibly hard through very challenging circumstances," she said.
"Although it's probably not the year they were hoping for for their final year of secondary school, they have actually learnt skills by default we would never have thought [of].
"They've learnt skills that are going to benefit them for the rest of their lives."
Mrs Hand said all students should make sure they were as informed as possibly by reaching out to careers advisors.
She said students should talk openly with their families about their expectations and contingency plans.
Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
